According to bestselling author Dr. Shari Lieberman, choosing foods based on their glycemic index is the best way to lose weight, lower cholesterol and combat cardiovascular disease. Transitions Lifestyle System Glycemic Index Food Guide is a book written by Dr. Shari Lieberman that will aid anyone who wants to control their diet through proper nutrition.
Understanding the Glycemic Index
Dr. Lieberman is a recognized authority on diet and health issues. In her book, Dr. Lieberman explains that the glycemic index is not low carb dieting. Rather, it is a ranking system of foods that contain carbohydrates.
Originally created by Dr. David J. Jenkins and his research team in 1981, the glycemic index, or GI, was used to help diabetic patients control their blood sugar by understanding how quickly their food triggered a rise in blood sugar. Foods that rank a low GI break down slowly, resulting in a gradual rise in blood sugar. Higher ranking foods break down faster with a more rapid rise in blood sugar. This results in a surge of blood glucose as well as a surge in insulin which is a problem for diabetics.
Dr. Lieberman points out that regular consumption of foods that are high on the GI scale can lead to many serious health issues. In addition to type II diabetes and insulin resistance, cancer, obesity and cardiovascular disease are risks as well.
A low GI diet can help with such issues as weight control, blood cholesterol levels and even fatigue. You don't have to be diabetic to benefit from consuming low GI foods.
No Calorie Counting
A low GI diet isn't a diet where you need to count calories. Dr. Lieberman explains, "If calorie restriction worked we wouldn't have 65 percent of our population overweight or obese; we wouldn't have 20 to 30 percent of our children overweight or obese."
She goes on to explain that the United States is the only country in the world that doesn't recognize the glycemic index, even though it has been proven by the highest standards of research that the GI is the best way to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease and to control weight.
A Controversial Stance
According to Dr. Lieberman, the reason for this is largely marketing and money. Organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association sell the use of their logo. She says if they embraced the use of the glycemic index they would have to take back the rights to use their logo from many foods, thus losing revenue.
"I want my health dictated by science, not by industry," says Dr. Lieberman.
Not Low Carb
Low carb doesn't necessarily mean healthy. Dr. Lieberman illustrates: "Atkins basically obliterated all carbs from the diet. That's not low glycemic index. Dr. Barry Sears tried to lower the glycemic index by putting olive oil on everything. You don't want to increase fat in order to lower glycemic index."
She continues to say that it is necessary to use common sense. Some foods may be listed as low GI that are not necessarily healthy foods. The glycemic index isn't perfect; however, it has consistently been shown to be the best way to eat right and improve your health and overall well-being.
Dr. Lieberman explains, "There's some intelligence to this; when you see pound cake listed (as low GI) you think 'I can eat pound cake'. The reason it's called pound cake is that it has a pound of butter!"
Transitions Lifestyle System
The Transitions Lifestyle Program is an "eating education" that combines proper nutrition with exercise and supplements designed to help you lose weight and improve your overall health. This can be accomplished through just using the book, although the best results have been seen by those who follow the program for 12 weeks.
You can join the Transitions Lifestyle Program by visiting the website. There is a monthly fee of $9.95 which includes:
- Low GI meal plans that are personalized to your body, lifestyle and goals
- Customized fitness planning with 3D demos for you to view
- Tips to reduce stress from Dr. Shari Lieberman
- Access to tracking tools to help you make positive changes in your behavior
- Email support from their team of specialists who can answer your questions
Take Charge of Your Health
If you are ready to take charge of your health, check out Transitions Lifestyle System Glycemic Index Food Guide by Dr. Shari Lieberman. You will quickly see the difference through increased energy within a week of following the GI diet.
